Samsung Introduces Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo Smartwatches

New Samsung Gear smartwatches drop Android

New Gear 2 Smartwatches: Connectivity, Fitness Chops, Better Battery

One of the headscratchers about the original Galaxy Gear release was its lack of support for most smartphones –including Samsung’s own.

Considering the fact that the Galaxy Gear required a wireless connection to a smartphone for much of its functionality, being compatible with only the Galaxy Note 3 phablet and the newest Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet on launch resulted in confusion and seriously limited the number of potential buyers for the Samsung smartwatch.

This issue had to be addressed with any Galaxy Gear 2, and SSNLF says the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo will be compatible with dozens of Samsung smartphones on launch. (Just don’t expect it to work with your iPhone.)

Samsung has also upped the built-in functions on the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, clearly targeting the growing health-monitor market. Both Samsung smartwatch models feature a built-in heart rate sensor, exercise modes and their own music playing capability. For the couch potatoes, the device also includes an IR remote with WatchON television remote control.

The lousy one-day (at best) battery life of the Galaxy Gear is also addressed. SSNLF says the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo should last 2-3 days of “typical use” on a charge, despite having a beefier CPU and smaller capacity battery than the original.